Knights Templar

The Knights Templar have origins in the Middle Ages as protectors of Christian pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. Many legends have grown up around this mysterious group, including a connection to the Holy Grail. In the late 18th Century the Freemasons adopted some Knights Templar rites and symbols (some believe there is a connection between the two groups). This explains why Knights Templar symbols found in cemeteries relate to the Freemasons. The symbol here shows a Maltese cross surrounding a cross inside a crown.

The gravestone below shows three Freemason related symbols, from left to right: Freemason, Knights Templar, Shriners.